Sushmita Sen has always attributed her success to the many people who encouraged her to strive for her best and were by her side throughout her journey. Not just her parents, Sen once also acknowledged the crucial role her "first boyfriend," Rajat Tara, played in her life. "With due respect and permission from my mom, dad, and grandpa here, he is my first boyfriend, Rajat. When I won Miss India, I had to go to Mumbai for training for Miss Universe. It was a very foreign city for me because I had lived in Delhi. I started crying, saying I won't go to Mumbai alone. I didn't want to go to Miss Universe," Sen said on the TV show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai hosted by late actor Farooq Shaikh in 2002 At that time, Rajat was "working for a big multinational". "He told his company to give him a leave for a month or do whatever was required to be done. Later, he was removed from the company. Rajat is very massively responsible, without whose support I couldn't have spent a month in Mumbai," recalled Sen on the show. The couple eventually split but remain good friends, with Sen admitting that they "outgrew" each other, but she was the "best man" at his wedding in Serbia. Reflecting on the actor's statement, Delnna Rrajesh, psychotherapist and life coach, said that by acknowledging Rajat's contribution to her journey, Sen reminded us that success is rarely a solo act. "Acknowledging people, especially a close one's role in your journey, isn’t giving credit away. It’s emotional maturity. It means you’re secure enough to say, 'I did the work, but I wasn’t alone, '" said Delnna. In therapy, Delnna said that she sees "too many relationships suffer from unspoken sacrifices". "Recognition softens that. It builds trust, deepens connection, and dissolves silent resentment," said Delnna. Those who can appreciate the effort and work their partners put into their jobs tend to maintain an optimal level of support, which is an important lesson to learn, said clinical psychologist Kamna Chhibber. "It encourages both people to share the good and the bad and come together more effectively to tackle the different scenarios of life," said Chhibber, adding that having a confidante and important support system is crucial in life.
